Parental Rights & Sperm Donor Situations

Jacksonville Family Law Attorneys

If you are having custody or support issues involving a child who was not conceived or carried through natural processes, we at Owenby Law, P.A. can assist you in reaching a resolution. Because of the esoteric nature of these modes of conception, gestation, and birth, not all family law firms will accept these cases. Our firm’s Jacksonville family lawyers pride themselves on being able to provide our clients with these services.

Sperm & Egg Donation in Florida

Florida law addresses the donation of sperm, eggs, and pre-embryonic cells in Florida Statute 742.14. Barring an executed pre-planned adoption agreement by a sperm donor, sperm, egg, and pre-embryo donors relinquish all parental rights to any child that is born as a result of their donations.

In most cases, if you are merely an anonymous or known donor of sperm or an egg, you cannot later claim parental rights. As family law attorneys, we would caution any client who is considering being a donor to consider this before making a final decision.

Recently, the Florida Supreme Court ruled on a case where one of the partners of a lesbian relationship provided an embryo for the other to carry to term. Because of the nature of the relationship at the time of conception and gestation, it was determined that both women had parental rights over the child. In spite of the outcome of this case, we recommend that both parties draft a written agreement that establishes or waives parental rights.

Owenby Law, P.A.: Meeting All Your Family Law Needs in Jacksonville, FL

Over the years, our firm has taken on some of the toughest legal battles in the history of the Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau circuit courts. If you are facing a difficult custody issue, you need to retain the services of a family law firm with the knowledge, experience, and tenacity to press your parental rights. You'll find all of those things at Owenby Law, P.A.